Traci DeForge is the founder of Produce Your Podcast and co‑founder of the Podcast Professionals Association—and unpacks her journey from radio prodigy to podcast entrepreneur. Traci shares how rapid consolidation in radio, a burnout moment in 2004, and a leap into business strategy led her to launch a broadcast‑quality podcast in 2016 that grew into a full‑service production agency. She said so before the recording started but she is audio first. Audio remains powerful (theater of the mind), video is useful for discovery but shouldn’t replace audio, and podcast SEO—especially detailed show descriptions—drives discoverability. Traci also stresses monetization through host‑led promotions, the value of guest appearances for visibility, and the legitimacy of archiving a show when its purpose has run its course. For podcasters seeking practical wins: update your show description, prioritize audio quality, and consider guest booking to amplify reach. Listen to the episode to the end and get all the excellent tips.

Twice in this episode we mentioned the late Todd Cochrane. I put together a highlight of some of the great things he said on this show - in an episode I titled One Last Listen.

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